The chief minister’s office said the government had asked traders to lift the seized stock in exchange of indemnity bond but the traders wanted pulses released on personal bond.

“The government has denied traders their demand and instead has decided to auction 13,000 metric tonnes of tur dal. The CM cleared a proposal moved by the civil supplies department on Friday,” an official release said.

The CMO expected that the auction would help bring down spiraling prices of tur daal.

Bapat to sue NCP leader

Civil supplies minister Girish Bapat has decided to sue NCP chief spokesperson Nawab Malik for defaming him at a press conference on Thursday.

Malik had accused the minister of corruption in allowing traders to lift the seized stock and selling it in open market at higher prices. He had also made some personal remarks against the minister. Bapat has refused all allegations against him.